The Only Thing That Matters Now is Action

An oped submitted to the Salt Lake Tribune by Jessica L. Jones, M.D., MSPH, and José E. Rodríguez, M.D., FAAFP

(Rick Bowmer | AP photo) Health care workers and medical students pause for 8 minutes 46 seconds of silence in front of the University of Utah Health Sciences Education Building during a demonstration in support of the Black Lives Matter movement Friday, June 5, 2020, in Salt Lake City.

“It sucks to be Black!” exclaimed a non-minority epidemiologist colleague to our class of graduate students.

Why would someone think that is ever appropriate to say about anyone, but especially in a professional setting? We are tired of the off-color comments. We are tired of seeing statements from organizations about being against racism. We are tired of vilification of peaceful protesters, and tired of having to be the police for diversity. But, more than anything, we are tired of the tolerance of wrong things. READ MORE...

UTAH STRONG Crisis Counseling Program Launches

The UTAH STRONG Crisis Counseling Program has been developed to assist people in finding ways to cope with stress caused by Coronavirus (COVID19). UTAH STRONG provides free crisis counseling services through virtual outreach, public education, emotional support, education, information and referral and will be working toward community outreach once the State opens up. There are no medical or financial screening methods to qualify to receive services.

UTAH STRONG staff are available to individuals, families, community groups, service organizations, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, those

experiencing homelessness, tribes and cultural minority groups. The Program is operated by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Department of Human Services and is funded through a grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and facilitated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Healthcare providers are encouraged to take advantage of this service for themselves or their patients whenever needed.

If you have questions or need help, please call or text: 1-385-386-2289 or email your first name and number to UtahStrong@utah.gov. They are available 7 days a week from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. After Hours if you need an immediate response please contact the SAMSHA Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5900 or the UNI Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

SAVE THE DATE -
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
The Student & Resident Poster Session is Going Virtual

Support students and residents from around the state as they present their posters virtually, Thursday, August 20 at 7:00pm.

Individuals and teams are eligible for awards for their exceptional efforts.

Awards are generously sponsored by Comagine Health.

More details to come!

Nominate a Deserving Colleague for
2020 UAFP Family Medicine Physician of the Year

Know a family physician who has gone above and beyond in their profession and their community? Have a colleague who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strength during this unprecedented time? Want to honor a physician who is retiring to celebrate their lifetime of service? Nominate them for Utah Family Medicine Physician of the Year! Nominations are due by Friday, July 17th.

Submit Your Nomination Here

REGISTER NOW
UAFP Virtual Annual Meeting Friday, August 28th at 7:00pm

Hear from AAFP President-Elect, Dr. Ada Stewart
Convocation of new AAFP Fellows
Awarding of the Utah Family Medicine Physician of the Year and Family Medicine Advocate of the Year
Meet the new UAFP Board Members
Update on UAFP activities for the coming year

Register Now

UTAH COVID-19 UPDATES

Updated Reports from Utah Department of Health

The following data reports and announcements are now available from the UDOH:

COVID-Related Provider Relief for Medicaid & CHIP Providers

Providers participating in state programs for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may still apply for emergency funding related to the pandemic distributed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to support the health care safety net. A webinar explaining the program available July 8th at 2:00pm MDT. Register online here.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Application Deadline Extended to August 8th

Hours before the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application deadline was set to expire (midnight on June 30th), the U.S. Senate passed an extension that now has the application deadline set for August 8th. There is still more than $130 billion in allocated funds that have not been used in the program designed to help small businesses to bridge shutdowns and keep employees working. If certain requirements are met, the loans can essentially turn into grants that need not be repaid. While the SBA website has not been updated yet to reflect this update, more details should be available soon at: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program